'He answered every question, addressed every fear' | Meet September's Health Hero

17 September 2025

Dr Sacha Moore, a Specialist Registrar in Nephrology (Renal Medicine), has been named September’s Health Hero in recognition of the kindness, care and compassion he shows to patients, and their families, living with kidney disease.

Dr Moore joined the Nephrology team in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board in his current role in August 2024, having previously worked in the department on rotation in 2021.

Based at the University Hospital of Wales, Dr Moore began a PhD last month researching a particular type of cardiovascular disease, called vascular calcification, which disproportionately impacts people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Dr Moore’s work aims to identify new pathways as targets for future treatments.

“If we can improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms,” said Sacha, “we might be able to create better therapies for people living with CKD in the future.” The advancement in therapeutics is one of the many reasons Dr Moore was drawn to the specialty of Renal Medicine. He said: “I think we're going to see more and more new treatments for kidney diseases coming through over the next few years. It’s great to be able to offer more targeted treatments to our patients.

“We have treatment options when kidneys fail – such as transplantation and dialysis – but one of the real challenges is that kidney failure can affect people of any age and come out-of-the-blue, compounding the huge impact of this diagnosis on patients and their families."

Chronic Kidney Disease can be hard to diagnose until it reaches an advanced stage. This was the experience of the brother of Rhian Casey, who nominated Dr Moore for the Health Hero award.

Rhian said: “Dr Moore broke the news to my mother that my brother had end stage renal failure and would need a kidney transplant. As you can imagine, as a family we were distraught. This was a huge shock considering my brother was 24, and otherwise fit and well.

“He answered every question, addressed every fear, and made sure we truly understood what was happening and what would come next.

“I can’t thank Dr Moore, or all the staff on the renal unit enough. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for not just being an exceptional doctor, but for showing kindness and compassionate at such a terrible time.”

In response to Rhian’s nomination, Dr Moore said: “I am deeply humbled to have received this award. I’m incredibly grateful to Rhian for taking the time to write this nomination, and for her touching words which mean so much. I remember the time we spent together that day and, although it was very difficult news, it means a huge amount to know that the information and answers I offered provided some help and comfort.

“Rhian’s nomination highlights the work of all the staff on the renal unit, and I’d like to echo that. Kidney medicine is a team effort, and I am very fortunate to work alongside inspiring colleagues in Nephrology and Transplant who go above and beyond every day.

“To me, this award very much reflects all of the amazing people of every professional group who work tirelessly with kindness and dedication to support our kidney patients every day, and the holistic ethos which underpins everything we aim to do in nephrology.”

Health Hero is sponsored by Park Plaza Cardiff. As September's Health Hero, Dr Sacha Moore will receive a Sunday overnight stay with bed and breakfast.
 

Do you know a staff member who has gone above and beyond to provide outstanding care? Say thank you by nominating them as a Health Hero!